By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Normally, the paths of Jenna Allen and Maggie Hunt would not have crossed. They would not go bowling together, bake cookies together, or blast music in the car together.
Allen is a Bowling Green State University senior studying to be an intervention specialist in special education. Hunt attended Wood Lane and works at a country club in Perrysburg where she washes dishes, sets tables, folds napkins, and fills salt and pepper shakers.
But the two women have formed a friendship through the “Best Buddies” program. The international program matches people together in an effort to end social isolation for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Allen established the Best Buddies chapters at BGSU. She matches up BGSU students with people with developmental disabilities.
Her first match was her own.
“Maggie and I just clicked,” Allen said “So we decided to be each other’s buddies.”
During a recent dinner at Panera together, the two talked about their friendship. They gabbed about going to the movies, eating dinner together, and bowling.
“She is 100 percent better than me at bowling,” Allen said of Hunt. “She has her own bowling ball with her initials.”
Hunt agreed, and listed off all the sports she competes in through Special Olympics – basketball, track, swimming and golf.
“She’s extremely athletic,” Allen said of her friend who she calls “Mags.”
Allen often attends Hunt’s Special Olympics competitions to cheer her on.
“She’s a good friend to me,” Hunt said.
Like many friends, the two go to movies – like the new “Jumanji” movie and “Smallfoot.” They eat dinner at each other’s homes or at restaurants (Panera is Hunt’s favorite.) They make cookies at Allen’s house.
And like friends, they crank up the music in the car and sing together. Top on their list are tunes by Alvin and the Chipmunks, NSync, and “High School Musical” songs.
“She shows me the dance moves from ‘High School Musical,’” Allen said, grinning at Hunt.
When it was mentioned that Bowling Green High School was putting on “High School Musical” this year, the two immediately starting making plans.
“Oh my gosh, we have to go,” Allen said to Hunt.
The Best Buddies program got a slow start last year with just seven matches. But this year the chapter is up to 80 participants.
“It’s been the best experience of my college experience,” Allen said. “I’m so grateful to have met Maggie and so many wonderful people.”
The program starts each year with a “mixer” for people to get to know each other. Then they are matched based on their personalities, hobbies, and availability.
“We really try to make it an authentic friendship,” Allen said.
The match of “Mags” and Allen has created a friendship that both hope to continue, even after Allen graduates.
“Maggie is a very, very caring girl,” Allen said. “She always asks me about school, my parents, my boyfriend.”
As the two ate their meals at Panera, their conversation was sprinkled with giggles and stories of good times.
“She cracks me up,” Allen said.
The feeling is mutual.
“I like hanging out with good friends,” Hunt said.
Both intend to continue their friendship from afar – wherever that may be for Allen.
“Absolutely. We have each other’s cell phone numbers,” Allen said. “We’re going to be lifelong friends.”
